Online bingo remains technically illegal in Malaysia under the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953, which prohibits all forms of gambling unless specifically licensed by the government (1). The legislation does not explicitly address online bingo or internet-based gaming, creating a significant regulatory gap despite the widespread availability of offshore platforms accepting Malaysian players (2). Malaysia's government has discussed potential liberalization of online gambling laws to capture tax revenue and combat illegal operations, but no formal legislative changes have been enacted to date.
Players accessing online bingo platforms in Malaysia face minimal legal consequences, as enforcement efforts typically target operators and facilitators rather than individual participants (2). Banks and internet cafes that facilitate online gambling transactions face more serious legal exposure than players themselves, prompting many Malaysians to use e-wallets and virtual cards to disguise their gambling transactions (1). While online bingo is not explicitly banned, the government offers no licensing pathway for operators and does not collect taxes on offshore online gambling activity.
"If committed outside a common gaming house, we cannot make the arrest because there is no law, let alone for online gambling. So, we have to formulate a new act to address the gaps in our regulatory framework for internet-based gaming."
Malaysia's government has acknowledged the need for regulatory modernization to address online bingo and other internet gaming activities operating outside legal frameworks (2). A proposal has been submitted to amend the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953 to license online gambling operators and expand enforcement capabilities, particularly targeting illegal operations based in neighboring countries (1). Until such legislation is enacted, online bingo remains in legal limbo—technically prohibited but widely accessible to Malaysian players without clear legal recourse or player protections.
Source:
https://www.commonlii.org/my/legis/consol_act/cgha19531983289/
https://www.vixio.com/insights/gc-malaysia-confirms-talks-online-gambling-liberalisation
Last updated: 01-11-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
